Ensworth power forward Malik Dia commits to Vanderbilt basketball

Ensworth power forward Malik Dia has committed to play basketball for coach Jerry Stackhouse at Vanderbilt, he announced on Twitter on Sunday. 

Dia, a 6-foot-7 190-pound power forward, is ranked as the No. 54 power forward in the country and the No. 8 player in the state for the 2022 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

"Coach (Jerry) Stackhouse made me feel very at home," Dia said. "He'd call me every day and his whole staff reached out to me with open arms. He knows my dreams and knows my potential.

"He knows that I'm trying to make it to the NBA and not only that, but he feels like I can help their team."

Dia chose Vanderbilt over Loyola-Chicago, Georgia, Marquette, Murray State and Western Kentucky.

"I originally cut it to six but in my mind, I cut it to two," Dia said. "My decision ultimately came down to Marquette and Vanderbilt."

Along with Stackhouse making it being known that he wanted him, Dia said that his experience in the NBA and knowing what it takes to get there also played a big part in him committing to play for him.

"I know Coach Stackhouse had a great NBA career and he was a great player," Dia said. "I know that he's going to have connections to help us get there along with his great coaching skills and player development."

Last season, Dia led Ensworth to a 14-9 record, averaging 16.1 points and a team-high 9.4 rebounds. Dia was the Tigers' leading scorer after five-star Kentucky commitment Skyy Clark left the school in mid-January. 

Even with the decision now out of the way, Dia said that the whole process was never really stressful for him. He's glad to have it out of the way but also really enjoyed the process.

"It really was a lot of fun and it was cool to get to know all of these coaches who wanted me to play for them," Dia said. "At the same time, I am happy that it's over and I know I chose the right school in my heart."

Reach Joe Spears at jspears2@gannett.com or 731-343-4923. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @joe_spears7.